Ask the Expert: I Feel My Child's Needs Aren't Being Met at the Community Center's Public Programs. What Can I Do?

Communication with the department head should be constructive, reasoned, and open. Also having open communication between home and school is key to ensuring a positive feeling for your child in these important formative years.

Children ranging in age from a few months into their teens are probably some of the most frequent participants in these programs. At each stage, a parent should be engaged in their child’s development. No matter the age, a parent should always feel free to ask questions if it will benefit their child.

Karen Kolodny is the executive director of Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the community by providing cultural, social, educational, and reacreational and fitness programs, and Jewish identity-building opportunities to people of all ages.

Kolodny has certificates from New York University in arts administration and business technology. She earned her bachelor's in civil law and common law from McGill University and a master of law from Cambridge University. She lives in NYC with her husband and two teenage daughters.

Kolodny's colleagues Julie Dorfman, Nancy Kaplan, and Penny Randall, who play essential roles in various departments, including the JCC Mid-Westchester's Early Childhood, Special Education and Services, and Family Center, contributed to this article.